Supplementary memorandum by the International
Association of Former Child Migrants and their Families
Child Migrants (CM 166A)We
take this opportunity to clarify some of the points raised in
our meeting with the Select Committee, and those we did not have
the opportunity to discuss, or feel we dealt with inadequately.
Data baseThis subject took up a large part of our
meeting, with no satisfactory conclusion being reached. We would
want the data base held by the Child Migrants Trust, because of
their neutral position. Perhaps the Select Committee can re-visit
this issue with the Director of the Child Migrants Trust for clarification
on the precise documents and records the Trust would need placed
in the data base. It is possible the difficulties, and the negative
attitude towards the Child Migrants Trust by some of the migrating
agencies on this particular issue may be overcome.
Full judicial inquiryWe support the Select Committee
view:
"That the urgent steps needed now must
be the first priority addressed within the recommendations to
the Government. However, the Child Migration Schemes, and the
consequences of those schemes, are a shameful part of British
History. A Full Judicial Inquiry with the Terms of Reference put
forward in our written submission is the only satisfactory way
that all aspects of the Child Migration Schemes, which would include:
the role of all Governments and migrating agencies, during and
after the Schemes finally ended, the obvious cover up by the migrating
agencies, the human rights abuse of innocent young children, the
psychological damage, and may others; can be fully investigated,
and the findings adequately addressed; so that similar social
policies which have affected the lives of thousands of people,
will never, ever again, form, or be a part of Government policy."
Personal compensationWhile Personal Compensation
is not on the agenda of many former Child Migrants; it is for
many. Over the last 10 years large numbers of Child Migrants across
the world have spent a considerable amount of their savings, (some
their life savings) so that they could be reunited with their
families; and they should be fairly and reasonably compensated.
No one person can put a price on the loss of a family life, and
the pain this has caused. A Full Judicial Inquiry, should have,
within its Terms of Reference the power to make recommendations
that can deal with this sensitive and vitally important issue.
FundingThe Association believe the Child Migrants
Trust should be the only organisation to receive Government funding;
for the reasons stated clearly in our written submission and oral
evidence.If any of the migrating agencies, or organisations affiliated
with, or receiving funding from the migrating agencies want to
provide a similar service to the Child Migrants Trust; that they
should do so at their own expense, and receive no Government funding
for providing this service. If the migrating agencies want to
genuinely help (rather than divide and control) Child Migrants
now; they can follow the lead provided by the Uniting Church,
and give unconditional funding to the Child Migrants Trust.
ChoiceWe believe every Child Migrant has the right
to make their own choice on the organisation they want to trace
and reunite them with their families.
Travel FundWhen a Child Migrants family has been
traced, and the time is right for the reunion to take place, many
Child Migrants can not afford to travel to the country (invariably
the UK) for this important reunion. Many take out loans, or spend
their life savings. Many go once; but can never afford to go again.
This perpetuates their pain; and has forced many to return, "Cap
in Hand", to the migrating agency that told them they were
an "Orphan" and had no family.A travel package that
included a minimum of three return tickets on a reputable airline,
with reasonable accommodation and living expenses, and with no
conditions applied to the time (of year) this travel should take
place; could help alleviate all of the difficulties referred to
in the previous paragraph. This package could take place over
a period of six years; and should be available to all Child Migrants
irrespective of their financial position. It would give Child
Migrants the opportunity to be reunited with family members. Visit
their parents and family members' graves. Visit their place of
birth, and their country of birth; and many other things that
are an important part of the healing and reconciliation process.
Relocation FundIf a Child Migrant wants to return
to live in the UK, or any country where a family member is now
living, they should be financially assisted to make this move;
as should any family member wishing to join a Child Migrant in
their country. The migration laws of each country; where age,
financial position, pensions, and social service benefits, are
an integral part of the migration criteria, make this move impossible
for many; and current immigration legislation should be amended,
so that Child Migrants and family members have the opportunity
to live the last period of their lives in the same country.
APOLOGYThe Association want all governments and migrating
agencies involved in the Child Migration Schemes to publicly apologise
to Child Migrants and their families. We believe the British Government
must take the lead on this. Many Child Migrants are still British
Citizens; as are their families. A genuine apology is vital. It
is an extremely important part of the healing and reconciliation
process.
A memorialWe would like a memorial to be placed in
a part of the UK that has significance for all Child Migrants
and their families. This memorial could take the form of a plaque,
a garden, a memorial wall with Child Migrants names.The Child
Migrants Schemes and their consequences are a shameful part of
British history. A memorial for Child Migrants and their families
will be an acknowledgement of this history; and a reminder that
some Government Social Policies go terribly terribly, wrong.There
are other things such as: free passports, a toll free line to
the Child Migrants Trust, pension entitlements, health (physical
and psychological) entitlements, which can all be an integral
part of the Compensation/Help Package.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FUNDINGA common thread
through all of the stories from Child Migrants is their belief
(until 1987, when the Child Migrants Trust was founded) that they
were the only ones; or the only group. These feelings of isolation
and aloneness have affected Child Migrants throughout the years,
and have invariably left them feeling more isolated and more alone;
particularly as they get older.Committee Members of the International
Association have spent a considerable amount of time over the
last three years discussing and debating the possibility that
an Association could be formed which could unite Child Migrants
across the world; (not divide; a policy many migrating agencies
are still following) and alleviate those feelings of isolation
and aloneness. Indeed, if the Association only achieved this goal,
all Committee Members can feel it has been worthwhile.However,
the Aims and Objectives in our Constitution show clearly that
we want to achieve much more. The International Association has
received no Government, or other funding, and has been largely
financed by Committee Members. We need funding to pursue and carry
out our Aims and Objectives. We believe a strong International
Association working alongside the Child Migrants Trust is a necessity.
It has the potential to end the divide and control role of the
migrating agencies; and to end the abuse of vulnerable Child Migrants
which some of these agencies pursue to this day. We would like
the Select Committee to seriously consider making a recommendation
for a funding package for the International Association, as a
part of their Report.We would also like to take this opportunity
to thank all members of the Select Committee for the way the individual
and group sessions have been conducted; and by your concern that
Child Migrants and family members be as comfortable as was possible
during this extremely emotional, and for many, painful experience.Child
Migrants and family members were warmly welcomed, and treated
with dignity and respect by all members of the Select Committee.
They were listened to and encouraged to tell their stories, and
make their recommendations, in the most unobtrusive way. This
atmosphere allowed Child Migrants and family members to freely
show their emotions, without fear of judgement.We feel sure you
will agree that politicians are rarely held in high esteem by
the communities, or Countries they choose to serve. You may therefore
be surprised and pleased to hear, that with very few exceptions,
your efforts during this period of time did not go unnoticed by
Child Migrants and family members. The overall response has been:
It could not have gone better, or been more appropriately handled.Committee
Members extend our deep appreciation and best wishes to you all.
5 July 1998
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